Deadly U.S. mid-air collision no reason to panic about air safety: Expert

MONTREAL — An aviation expert says the mid-air crash in Washington, D.C., Wednesday night is likely the result of unique air traffic patterns in the area and shouldn’t cause wider fears over air safety.

John Gradek, who teaches aviation management at McGill University, says the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has possibly the busiest runway in the country while military aircraft also frequently fly in the area to make it a higher-risk airspace.

Read More:

• Passenger jet collides with helicopter at DC’s Reagan National Airport
• Moe looks for changes to equalization as Sask. seeks intervenor status
• Worries mount in Sask. business community over tariffs threat

The collision between an American Airlines jet carrying 64 people and an Army helicopter carrying three soldiers is believed to have killed everyone on board both aircraft.

There was no immediate word on the cause of the collision, but officials say the jet was making a routine landing when the helicopter flew into its path.

Gradek says air traffic controllers told the helicopter about the plane and it would have been the responsibility of the helicopter pilot to avoid the jet.

He says that while there are concerns about air traffic controller shortages in Canada, flight volumes are managed so they’re never overstretched.

— With files from The Associated Press.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 30, 2025.

The Canadian Press